A recent research have suggests that vitamin C may give the same heart benefits as that of a regular exercise or going to the gym.

Research

A research from the University of Colorado, studied the effects of vitamin C supplements on obese and overweight adults. This group of people is advised to exercise to improve their heart health and condition, but more than 50% ignore the advice.

The Colorado researchers have proven that taking a 500 mg time-released vitamin C supplement, can have the same cardiovascular benefits as regular exercise in the participants.

The researchers noted that the blood vessels of obese and overweight people have elevated activity of a protein called endothelin-1 or ET-1. This protein narrows small blood vessels, which makes them less responsive to blood flow demand. This causes an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Exercise has been shown to lower ET-1 activity. But the researchers found that vitamin C reduced ET-1 vessel constriction as much as exercise or walking did.

Conclusion

Though many of you think of vitamin C as an immune system booster, antioxidant and common cold treatment, it can also be a powerful support for the cardiovascular system.

Vitamin C Reduces Stroke and Heart Attack

Dr. Linus Pauling, became the world’s foremost vitamin C proponent. He stated the fact that humans, are born without the ability to manufacture vitamin C. Therefore, he proposed large doses of vitamin C, which is 10-12 grams per day, to offset the deficiency. He also believed that the current modern diet, which is low in vitamin C-rich foods explained the epidemic of heart disease.

But some research have since supported Pauling’s theory. Research have shown that compared to people getting the least vitamin C, those getting more had a 80% lower risk of heart attack.

In a study of 800 people who had suffered a heart attack, the patients were given high doses of vitamin C, about 1200 mg daily and vitamin E. After just a month, new heart attacks, rates of death and other serious complications were reduced by almost 20%.

Vitamin C works in various ways to support cardiovascular health. One important thing, is it reduces blood pressure. It also protects against endothelial dysfunction and helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis.